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WIC Pediatric Referral Form Tutorial

2010

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Tutorial Objectives

At the end of this session, you will be able to

explain:

• The new WIC food packages for medically fragile infants and children (≤ 5 yrs.)

• The new federal medical documentation requirements for WIC participants

• WIC resources for improved nutrition outcomes

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New WIC Policy Changes

Obtain medical documentation before issuing:

Therapeutic formula, a medical food, or any WIC foods to medically fragile WIC participants

Additional formula to older infants with special needs

Soy-based beverage or tofu to a child

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More WIC Foods for Medically Fragile Patients

Now

Effective October 1, 2009

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Same Information in Different Formats

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Step #1: Only complete Section I for a routine WIC referral that does not require a therapeutic formula.

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Step #2: Write both the first and last name and date of birth. Forms with only a first or a last name are difficult to locate in the WIC files.

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Step #3: Record a Hgb or Hct lab result that was completed during the past 6 or 12 months.

A lead test result for a child over 1 year of age is requested during WIC enrollment.

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Step #4: WIC encourages up-to-date immunizations. WIC infants and children (≤ 2 yr. of age) are screened and referred for immunizations using a documented immunization history.

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Step #5: Breastfeeding women receive more WIC foods. This information is used to improve communication between WIC and health care professionals and to ensure that the appropriate breastfeeding food package is issued.

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Step #6: A box MUST BE CHECKED in order to issue soy and tofu to a CHILD instead of cow’s milk and cheese. Personal preference is not a qualifying condition.

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Sample of Section I Completed

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Step #7: Complete Section II when a therapeutic formula or medical food is prescribed. A WIC dietitian or nutritionist tailors the WIC food package based upon the diagnosis.

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Step #8: The diagnosis must match the formula and the WIC foods prescribed. If it does not, WIC will contact the doctor for clarification. This may delay access to WIC services and benefits.

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Step #9: Refer all patients to their health plan for medically necessary formula/food. When a health plan denies coverage, direct them to Medi-Cal and refer these patients to WIC for short term assistance.

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Step #10: WIC’s medically fragile participants are issued a customized WIC food package. Foods NOT APPRORIATE MUST BE CHECKED. A WIC dietitian or nutritionist will screen the information provided and refer as needed.

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Step #11: A child prescribed a medical food, such as PediaSure, will also receive cow’s milk from WIC:

910 oz PediaSure/mo + 13 qts milk/mo = large amount of fluid

Doctors must check the no cow’s milk box if they do NOT want the patient to receive both.

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Step #12: WIC will track infants and children prescribed therapeutic formulas or medical foods to correctly tailor the WIC food packages and to request updated food restrictions as needed.

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Step #13: Before providing WIC benefits, WIC requires a health care professional’s signature and contact information. This information is necessary to confirm accuracy of the information received and to streamline health plan approval of prescribed therapeutic formulas and medical foods.

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Sample of Section II Completed

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New WIC Form and Resources www.wicworks.ca.gov

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Resources* for Collaboration

AAP-WIC video: “New WIC Requirements” WIC website with provider relevant information:

WIC formulas

WIC fact sheet

New pediatric form with instructions and tutorial

Newsletters and fax blasts: AAP, CHDP, health plans, Academy Family Physicians, nurses, dietitians

MD-WIC Network

* Go to www.wicworks.ca.gov; then go to Health Professionals under Resources

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MD - WIC Network

Streamlined communication

Early intervention

Improved access to care

Breastfeeding promotion

Coordination for childhood obesity prevention

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How to Contact WIC

Email: MD-WIC@cdph.ca.gov

WIC dietitian directory at MD-WIC Network (www.wicworks.ca.gov; go to Professional Resources; click Health

Professionals)

California WIC’s Program Evaluation and Policy Branch, 916-928-8652